The Presidency has cautioned former Anambra State governor and the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, against politicising the country’s sports affairs after he claimed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials stopped him from greeting the Flamingos at an airport.
Obi had alleged that NFF officials prevented him from approaching the national Under-17 women’s team after their return to Nigeria on Monday, threatening that they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to greet the players.
But the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, described the allegation as part of what he called the opposition’s attempt to politicise national sports teams and institutions.
In a statement, Olusegun said the Flamingos represented all Nigerians and should not be associated with the interests of any political party or individual.
He said, “The constant attempt by the opposition to politicise our national sports teams and institutions is highly distasteful. “Our national athletes, including the Under-17 girls’ team, represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political party or individual ambition.”
